I wanted to consider all of the ancient literary heroes and legendary warriors that we have gone over this semester as well as some that we didn’t before deciding on the two I felt complimented each other, and many great names came to mind. Perseus, Prometheus, Theseus, Hercules, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, William Wallace, and Beowulf just to name a few. But even more prevailing then these are Achilles and Cuchullin. When looking at the first works of mythology that came out of Europe we can see that there are two noteworthy mythological figures that are the most alike despite the fact that their stories come from completely opposite ends of the region. Through the stories of Cuchullin and Achilles not only do we get a …show more content…
Both Cuchullin and Achilles become heroes long before they become men. There are stories as mentioned above from when Cuchullin was just seven years old, fighting fierce attackers while look after Ulster’s boundaries. Achilles also becomes a fierce fighter, in particular in Homer’s Illiad when Phoinix refers to him as a child, as he goes off to war to fight with the Greek army. Even though the perception of both characters is much the same, it is interesting to take note of Cuchullin’s honor in comparison with Achilles’. While Cuchullin’s heroic sense is to some extent nobler than that of Achilles’, in the sense that Achilles’ fury and fighting is the result of his need for revenge over the death of his cousin Patroklos, while Cuchullin fights for his land as well as his kinsmen. Even though this is without doubt a far more honorable cause to head into battle but somehow Cuchullin come across as being far more barbaric than Achilles, who because of Homer, is able retains a stronger sense of civility. Even in the way in which both of their deaths are foretold we find a remarkable parallel. While there is far more known about the death of Cuchullin, the same can’t be said for Achilles’ death. The similarities are in the way in which the foretelling’s of their deaths came about; Cuchullin’s death being foreshadowed by the Grey of Macha, like Achilles’ death was foreshadowed by Xanthos of the Glancing
...e also existed many differences. Most striking was their view on death; one dreamt of immortality while the other adored death and all its glory. At the same time, one must acknowledge the significant effect their friends had on their lives. One cannot help but wonder how each hero's life would have been without what could be considered his soul mate. Regardless, one must accept the fact that Achilles and Gilgamesh were heroes of their time and will remain epic heroes that are continually analyzed and compared throughout the modern era.
In classical Greek literature, the epic hero is usually defined in terms of the contrasting characters of Achilles and Odysseus, the most important figures in Homer's great epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey. Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greeks in the Trojan war, is actually a demi-god rather than a human hero, having been dipped in charmed waters by his mother and given the gift of invulnerability. Odysseus, on the other hand, is a fully human character, and his heroism consists more in his cleverness, boldness and cunning than his martial ability. The contrast between these two models of the epic hero could not be stronger, for although Achilles is godlike and almost immortal in his fighting prowess, he is childish and petulant in his personality; even in the moment of his greatest triumph he lacks the nobility and generosity we expect of a truly great hero.
His mother, Thetis, portends "that [Achilles] is destined for both an early death and misery beyond compare." (Homer, Book I, 438-439) Achilles fights to achieve eternal glory and to be remembered in history for his warrior efforts. Achilles knows that "If I stay here and fight, I 'll never return home, but my glory will be undying forever. If I return home to my dear fatherland my glory is lost but my life will be long and death that ends all will not catch me soon." (Homer Book IX 425-429) This is reflective of the Greek motivation; making it a personal quest. Fueled by his own desire to kill Hector and avenge the death of Patroclus, Achilles tells Hector that" [t]here are no binding oaths between men and lions- wolves and lambs can enjoy no meeting of the minds- they are all bent on hating each other to the death. So with you and me. No love between us. No truce till one or the other falls and gluts with blood." (Homer Book XXII, 309-314) This type of hero would more appeal to the Greeks hearing or reading the
We are honorable warriors we serve and fight for our lords and we die honorable deaths! These warriors were very similar but in different time lines. These warriors fought for their lords and in exchange they either got land or food. Also whenever they were needed in battle they had to go to battle. These are the similarities between these two great warriors.
The medieval knight Sir Gawain is a hero like Achilles, but his certain characteristics make him unlike his Greek counterpart. The first quality that creates the separation of Gawain is that he is a Christian character, meaning that he believes in the monotheistic religion of Christianity, following the teachings of Jesus and God. He holds the values of this religion to be true such that he should follow with respect, compassion, and forgiveness. This religious view of life affects what Gawain holds to be his moral code, because he fights for God and for his soul to be perfect to reach heaven. Unlike Achilles during classical antiquity, the Middle Ages held Christianity, along with God and the soul, to be the controlling factors in which how people lived their lives. From this Christian tradition of living life Gawain’s masculinity is developed completely different than that of Achilles. Gawain receives his masculinity through the
The most powerful warriors in this story were Hector and Achilles. Both men were given the title of heroes and displayed great power, skills and courage. But the values of Hector and Achilles were very different from one another and very different from the people of today’s society. Dignity, pride, honor, glory, fame, and revenge are very important to these people as it still is today, but it is achieved in a much different way.
David Malouf explores each of the characters in his novel “Ransom,” and the unique impact that grief and loss effects them individually. The suffocating grief enables other emotions to arise, where anger and hatred, cloud judgment or where opportunity and change initiates action. Achilles and Neoptolemus are both engulfed in grief for their loved ones converting this pain into anger, seeking revenge in order for them to feel something, anything. The smothering of emotions consumes the characters in overwhelming grief and loss. However, Malouf accentuates the difference in reactions due to grief changing with the individuals. Depicted through Somax ability to convert consuming feelings to joy by seeking comfort in others.
In the Iliad, Achilles is the main protagonist. He is a demi-god and is the son of the nymph Thetis and Peleus who was the King of the Myrmidons. He was a Greek hero of the Trojan War. He falls in love with a battle prize called Briseis. He is to portray, “as a brave, loyal, cocky, intelligent and even superhuman soldier. In Achilles ' case, the word "superhuman" is literal; he is the result of a union between a god and a mortal.”(Harvard 1)
I think the reason that Achilles allows Patroklos to fight is because Achilles knows that the Greeks need all the help they can get. The Trojans are very near to their ships and without some great miracle, the Greeks will be defeated. When Patroklos comes to Achilles with the idea of going out in his armor and fighting to try to muster the Greek troops and frighten the Trojans, Achilles is taken in by his dear friend’s plea. Achilles gives in because he knows how much this opportunity will mean to Patroklos, who has always stood in Achilles’ shadow. So as to give his friend an opportunity to gain honor through battle and become great, Achilles allows Patroklos to enter the battle wearing his armor and with his blessing, even though he places a few stipulations on him.
The Trojan War had many heroes and warriors that participate in combat during the war. All of the characters were all very proud characters which led to a lot of conflict between some of the characters in the war effort. Achilles is such a proud man that he allowed his pride to get in the way of his better judgment and ends up costing the life of one of his dear friends, Patroclus. His pride and ego which many would consider to be a vice that makes Achilles unlikable to some is actually what makes him likeable. This is a warrior who has his honor and his pride hurt by characters and the consequences of his honor and pride being hurt is harming the Greeks effort to win the war, as well as causing the death of his good friend Patroclus. Achilles is a likable character despite his prideful attitude and is a relatable character to the readers.
The Iliad, the Greek epic documented by Homer that describes the battles and events of the ten year siege on Troy by the Greek army. Both Trojans and Greeks had their fair share of heroes and warriors, but none could match the skill and strength of the swift runner, Achilles. Achilles had the attributes of a perfect warrior with his god-like speed and combat abilities. However, even though he was Greek’s greatest warrior, he still possessed several flaws that made him fit the role of the Tragic Hero impeccably. Defined by Aristotle, a Tragic Hero is someone who possesses a high status of nobility and greatness, but must have imperfections so that mere mortals cannot relate to the hero. Lastly, the Tragic Hero’s downfall must be partially their own fault through personal choice rather than by an evil act, while also appearing to be not entirely deserved of their unfortunate fate. Achilles is a true Tragic Hero because he withholds all of these traits. Achilles proves to be a good man that puts his loved ones first, reveals his tragic flaws of pride and anger, shows dynamic qualities as a character when his flaws are challenged, and has a moment of clarity at the end of his rage. Achilles truly exemplifies the qualities of a Tragic Hero.
In literature, there are two types of heroes, epic and tragic. An epic hero reflects their society’s values, immortalized in the eyes of their people, and shows courage in the face of adverse situations. Achilles is an epic hero because he embodied the honor that was so highly regarded in Greek society, chose to die early in battle and be remembered gloriously rather than living a long anonymous life in his homeland of Pthia, and avenged Patroclus’s death.
In 700 B.C, Homer, a blind Greek poet, composed The Iliad. This work has become one of the most significant works in Western literature. The Iliad is an epic poem. It is a long narrative poem in verse form which tells the story of a hero. Achilles is the epic hero in The Iliad. Achilles is the best warrior of the Achaeans and Hector was the top warrior for the Trojans. Although Achilles and Hector seem very similar, they actually have a lot of differences between the two of them, which makes each of them unique. The similarities are prominent between Achilles and Hector, but they were different in the way the way they lived, why they fought, and by their mentality.
In the poem, Iliad, Achilles and Hector both show relative heroism in their own different ways. Achilles may have been the more popular hero, but Hector had great heroism as well. Each of these characters possess their own different strengths and weaknesses. These two characters both have pride as being one of their main weaknesses. Hector seems as if he would suit best in the modern world, but there are a few different reasons as to why the ancients may have chose Achilles. Hector and Achilles both lost a lot by letting their pride get in the way of their heroism. Both of these characters were their country’s best warrior. Achilles and Hector have very different personalities, and very different ways of approaching situations.
Achilles, son of Peleus, king of the Myrmidons, and Thetis, the Nereid, is famous for being the bravest, strongest, and most handsome of the warriors in the Trojan War. As leader of the Myrmidons, sacker of cities, and slayer of Hektor, the main hero in Homer’s Iliad wasn’t always the godlike figure known for his infamous vulnerability. As a child, his mother, in an attempt to destroy his mortality, dipped him in the River Styx, or in some accounts, over a divine flame. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, Achilles’ heel was left mortal. As Achilles led the Myrmidons in the Trojan War, his passion, bravery, and generosity were among his many strengths however it was his Achilles’ heel (literally) that caused the mighty warrior to fall by the